Prime minister-designate Justin Trudeau is set to reveal his incoming cabinet ministers this week, after he is sworn in as Canada’s 23rd prime minister.

The lead-up to Wednesday’s cabinet reveal is rife with speculation, and the Liberals have kept their decisions tightly under wraps.

Sources told CTV News that choices for the cabinet were locked in by the time Trudeau and his wife took their children trick-or-treating in Ottawa on Saturday night.

In terms of cabinet representation, Trudeau has previously made several promises that he says he has every intention to keep.

There are expected to be between 25 to 30 cabinet ministers -- down from the Conservatives’ 36 -- and Trudeau has pledged that half will be women. If achieved, it will be the first gender-balanced cabinet in Canadian history.

These selections will likely include several fresh faces; 42 of the incoming 50 female Liberal MPs are first-timers.

The cabinet is expected to include ministers from across the country, with a particular focus on including First Nations MPs and minority groups. It is also expected to include a mix of veteran politicians and newcomers.

Party members say Trudeau has been working diligently behind the scenes for weeks to make the crucial decisions, with potential cabinet ministers screened in a series of closed-door meetings.

“It’s been a little anxious, and as the days wear on, it only gets worse, but those conversations are being had,” said Rodger Cuzner, the Liberal MP for Cape Breton–Canso.

Particular attention will be paid to the incoming immigration minister, a role that will require a hit-the-ground-running approach as Trudeau aims to meet his goal of bringing 25,000 Syrian refugees to Canada by the end of 2015.

Members of the public will be allowed to attend Rideau Hall Wednesday as the new Liberal government is sworn in.

With a report by CTV’s Richard Madan

Swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall:

  • Lisa LaFlamme will be anchoring the live news special Wednesday at 10 am ET on CTV, CTV News Channel and CTV News GO.
  • CTVNews.ca will offer video of live events from Ottawa on Wednesday morning, and a live blog with instant updates.